Democratic state Sen. Brad Hutto picked up an endorsement from a national education group in his bid to unseat U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham in November.

Hutto, an Orangeburg trial attorney, got the nod from the National Education Association’s political action committee, the Fund for Children and Public Education, according to a news release Tuesday.

“Brad Hutto shares our values and the values of the working families of South Carolina,” said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel.

“If elected, Brad will put students and educators ahead of partisan politics, because he understands that the road to economic prosperity and security starts in the Palmetto State’s public schools,” Van Roekel continued. “He will staunchly advocate for South Carolina families and, if elected, he will work hard to make the economy work for all of us.”

Hutto has been a member of the state Senate since 1996. He is married to a pediatrician and his son is attending law school. The news released noted that Hutto has been an active member of the Boy Scouts of America for five decades.

Hutto “has the right values to speak up in Congress for students and educators,” said Bernadette Hampton, president of the S.C. Education Association, a professional association for S.C. public school employees.

“He understands the important role education plays in preparing students for the jobs of tomorrow so that Americans can compete in the 21st century global marketplace,” Hampton continued. “If elected, he will move South Carolina forward and get Washington working again.”